“NAKSHATRADHARA’; a ‘stars meet heroes’ idea supported by IPSK

The first event of the ‘stars meet heroes’ idea was conducted on 30/05/2020. The idea is to use an online platform to bring celebrities (‘stars’) in various fields to meet the Resident Doctors (‘heroes’) who take duty in managing COVID-19 related cases in hospitals. We recognise the invaluable service rendered by the junior doctors in the COVID wards, often at a significant cost to themselves, both personally and professionally. The post graduation (PG) period is one of significant stress when the huge academic load has to be managed along with family responsibilities, since many enter into a married life around that time. With COVID, the work load has increased significantly; having to wear PPE, finding suitable accommodation near hospital, facing the increased anxiety in patients etc. While others were staying at home during the lock-down, these doctors had to come to work daily. Many of them had been staying away from their own families, sometimes away from their young children, to prevent spread of infection.

“Nakshatradhara” is an attempt by the Branch of Indian Psychiatric Society (Kerala) to reach out and address the stress faced by these junior doctors.
The popular film actor, Shane Nigam, had accepted our invitation graciously and spend around an hour talking to the PG students of Government TD Medical College Alappuzha, on 30/05/2020, 7 pm in a zoom conference. The actor stressed the role of keeping contact with family members as a means to overcome stress. We are thankful to Shane Nigam for sparing time to talk to us and inspiring our young doctors. We thank Muneeb CA for helping us get in touch with the actor. We place on record to our gratitude to Dr Ruksheda Syeda, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mumbai whose ‘stars meet heroes’ initiative was our inspiration. We thank Dr Basith, President, PG Association, TDMC Alappuzha for coordinating with PG students there. Dr Sagar T, Dr Sebind Kumar, Dr Varun Rajan also shared ideas to handle stress with the resident doctors.

The feedback from the resident doctors who attended the session was that they highly appreciated the event and asked us to conduct more such events. We are looking forward to do so.

Dr Sebind Kumar,
Hon: Gen: Secretary
IPS Kerala

Thrissur,
Kerala